Hallelujah
הַלְלוּיָהּ (Halleluyah)
A compound Hebrew word meaning 'Praise the LORD'
Hallelujah combines 'hallelu' (praise) and 'Yah' (the LORD). It is the Bible's supreme expression of worship, used throughout the Psalms and in the heavenly worship of Revelation.
"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." — Psalm 150:6 (KJV)
Key Verses
Revelation 19:1
“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.”Read in context
Psalm 113:1
“Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H1984 — Hallelujah (הַלְלוּיָהּ (Halleluyah))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where הַלְלוּיָהּ (Halleluyah) appears.
Open Strong's H1984The Compound Word
Hallelujah is composed of two Hebrew elements: 'hallelu,' the plural imperative form of 'halal' (to praise, to boast, to shine), and 'Yah,' a shortened form of God's covenant name YHWH (Yahweh). Together they form a joyful command: 'All of you — praise the LORD!' It is not a suggestion but an imperative — a declaration that praising God is the highest calling of every living being.
In the Psalms
Hallelujah frames several collections of psalms. The 'Hallel' psalms (113-118) were sung during Jewish festivals, especially Passover — Jesus likely sang these with His disciples at the Last Supper. Psalms 146-150, sometimes called the 'Final Hallel,' each begin and end with Hallelujah, building to the magnificent crescendo of Psalm 150 where everything that has breath is called to praise the LORD.
In the New Testament
The Greek form 'Alleluia' appears four times in Revelation 19:1-6, where a great multitude in heaven thunders this praise after the fall of Babylon. It is the only Hebrew word that passes untranslated into the Greek New Testament, suggesting it was so sacred and universal that no translation could capture its full meaning. It bridges Old and New Testaments as the eternal language of worship.
Hallelujah in Worship Today
Hallelujah has become one of the most universally recognized words in human language, transcending cultures, denominations, and centuries. From ancient temple worship to modern hymns, from Handel's 'Hallelujah Chorus' to contemporary praise songs, this word continues to unite believers in the joyful acknowledgment that God alone is worthy of all praise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Hallelujah and Alleluia?
They are the same word. 'Hallelujah' is the direct transliteration from Hebrew, while 'Alleluia' comes through the Greek and Latin translations. Both mean 'Praise the LORD.' Different Christian traditions prefer one spelling over the other.
How many times does Hallelujah appear in the Bible?
The word Hallelujah (rendered as 'Praise ye the LORD' or 'Praise the LORD' in the KJV) appears about 24 times in the Psalms. The Greek form 'Alleluia' appears 4 times in Revelation 19.
Is Hallelujah a name of God?
No, Hallelujah is not a name of God but a command to praise Him. However, it contains 'Yah,' which is a shortened form of God's covenant name Yahweh (YHWH), making it a deeply personal expression of worship directed to the God of Israel.
What is the Hebrew word for "Hallelujah" in the Bible?
הַלְלוּיָהּ (Halleluyah), pronounced "hal-eh-LOO-yah." It means a compound hebrew word meaning 'praise the lord'. Its Strong's number is H1984. It is the word behind "Hallelujah" in both Testaments, for example in Psalm 150:6.
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Hallelujah (הַלְלוּיָהּ (Halleluyah))
A compound Hebrew word meaning 'Praise the LORD'
Strong's H1984 — Hallelujah
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